Robust, rapid, secure sample manipulation before during and after ionization for a spectroscopy system

ABSTRACT

This invention provides for the efficient positioning of a sample to be analyzed by using either magnetic or electro-mechanical fields to retain the sample in the ionization region. In an embodiment of the present invention, the sample is contacted with a sampler device, which is inserted into a chamber and accurately positioned using electro-mechanical devices. In an embodiment of the invention, the influence of an electro-mechanical field on the sampler device enables the sample to be positioned in the ionization region to be contacted by particles that result in ionization of the sample whereby rendering the resulting ions available for analysis.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/476,380 entitled: “ROBUST, RAPID, SECURE SAMPLE MANIPULATIONBEFORE DURING AND AFTER IONIZATION FOR A SPECTROSCOPY SYSTEM”, inventor:Brian D. Musselman, and filed Apr. 18, 2011. This application is hereinexpressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention permits desorption ionization of powders, plantmaterials, and loose substances by securing the position of thesematerials which are otherwise easily displaced during sample handlingand analysis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ambient pressure desorption ionization sources, such as direct analysisin real time (DART®) and desorption electrospray ionization, enabledetection of chemicals present as or embedded in a solid object orcondensed on surfaces. Examples of sources include: using a flowingheated gas containing metastable atoms or molecules in DART, using aflowing gas containing ions and metastable atoms or molecules in FlowingAtmospheric Pressure Afterglow (FAPA), and using a flowing high pressuremixture of gas and solvent droplets in desorption electrosprayionization (DESI).

A common occurrence in Homeland Security associated ‘security alerts’ isthe report describing the presence of a “white powder”. Identificationof such materials requires a determination of composition. Enablingdirect determination of composition without the requirement fordissolving the material facilitates reduced sample handling and thusaffords greater protection to the humans undertaking the analysis aswell as reduced time for analysis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various embodiments of the present invention, metal powders are usedto disperse and retain samples for analysis. In an embodiment of theinvention, a device for ionizing a sample comprises a sampler device formaintaining or constraining the position of the sample relative to theflowing gases and liquids exiting an ionization source. The devicefurther includes a chamber or open region where the sample can bepositioned and an entrance into a spectroscopy system where analysisoccurs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This invention is described with respect to specific embodimentsthereof. Additional features can be appreciated from the Figures inwhich:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a prior art sample device;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a magnetically enabled samplingdevice according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the mixing chamber for samplepreparation according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of sample loading using a magneticallyenabled sampling device as shown in the mixing chamber for samplepreparation as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the photograph shown in FIG. 6 wheresample loading using a magnetically enabled sampling device locatessample on three sites on a surface for analysis according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a photograph of sample loading which is using amagnetically enabled sampling device to locate a sample on three siteson a surface for analysis according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of an off axis system of analysisenabled with a spectroscopy system as shown in the photograph of FIG. 11according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of the sampling device used to positiona sample in a spectroscopy system according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of the sampling device used to positionmultiple samples in a spectroscopy system according to an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 10 shows a line drawing of an off axis system of analysis enabledwith a spectroscopy system as shown in FIG. 11; and

FIG. 11 shows a photograph of the off axis system of analysis deviceenabled with a spectroscopy system according to an embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The development of efficient desorption ionization sources for use withspectroscopy systems has enabled rapid analysis of samples withoutrequiring laborious sample preparation. These desorption ionizationsources require that the sample be positioned in a small region at theexit of the source to permit interaction of the ionizing gases with thesample for analysis.

Atmospheric pressure desorption ionization sources such as directanalysis real time (DART®) and desorption electrospray ionizationfunction well for the ionization of solids and samples adsorbed ontosurfaces because they can be fixed in position and not displaced by theaction of the flowing gases and solvents. Once formed the ions can, forexample, be introduced into a mass spectrometer for mass analysis.However, in the case of chemicals present in powder form, the directdesorption ionization analysis can become problematic due todisplacement of the powder by the action of the flowing gases andliquids utilized in the experiment. Without retention of the sample inthe desorption ionization region, analysis of these compounds is eithercompromised and/or results in contamination of the spectroscopy systemas the desorbed chemicals contaminate surfaces and entrances to thespectroscopy system.

Thus, for loose powders the utility of the desorption ionizationtechnology is reduced since powders and other light weight or loosesamples often cannot be anchored without altering their chemical state(e.g., making into a solution). In an embodiment of the presentinvention, a simple method to retain powder type samples for surfacedesorption ionization at atmospheric pressure with increased certainty,involves the co-mixing and thereby the dispersal of a heavy weightpowder with the sample powder prior to analysis in order to secure thepowder in position. In an embodiment of the present invention, the heavyweight powder can be a metal powder. In an embodiment of the invention,the sample with the metal powder dispersed and therefore coating thesample can be maintained in its position by the weight of the metalpowder. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, thesample with the metal powder dispersed and thereby coating the samplecan be maintained in its position by a magnetic field used to fix themetal in position for analysis. In an embodiment of the presentinvention, a device provides the means for positioning of a samplepowder in a desorption ionization region.

In various embodiments of the invention, the metal powder or granulescan be selected from the group consisting of metals and non-metals. Invarious embodiments of the invention, the powder or granules can beselected from the group consisting of magnetic and non-magnetic metals.In various embodiments of the invention, the powder or granules can beone or both a paramagnetic and a ferromagnetic material.

Paramagnetism is a form of magnetism which occurs only in the presenceof an externally applied magnetic field. Ferromagnetism is the mechanismby which certain materials form permanent magnets or are attracted tomagnets. Classical electro-magnetism indicates that two nearby magneticdipoles will tend to align in opposite directions, so their magneticfields will oppose one another and cancel out. However, in ferromagneticmaterials the dipoles tend to align in the same direction. The PauliExclusion Principle teaches that two electrons with the same spin cannotalso have the same ‘position’. Under certain conditions, the PauliExclusion Principle can be satisfied if the position of the outerorbitals of the aligned electrons is sufficiently distant. In theseferromagnetic materials, the electrons having parallel spins result inthe distribution of electric charge in space being further apart andtherefore the energy of these systems is at a minimum. The unpairedelectrons align in parallel to an external magnetic field inparamagnetic materials. Only atoms with partially filled shells can havea net magnetic moment, so ferromagnetism and paramagnetism only occur inmaterials with partially filled outer electron shells. Non-magneticmetals typically have filled outer electron shells (e.g., Beryllium,Cadmium, Calcium, Magnesium, Mercury, and Zinc) or form covalently boundmolecules fulfilling this condition (e.g., Aluminum, Barium, Copper,Gold, Lead, Lithium, Platinum, Potassium, Radium, Rhodium, Strontium,Silver, Tin, Titanium and Tungsten). As the temperature of ferromagneticmaterials increase, the entropy of the system reduces the ferromagneticalignment of the dipoles. When the temperature rises above the Curietemperature, the system can no longer maintain spontaneousmagnetization, although the material still responds paramagnetically toan external field (see Table I for list of ferromagnetic andferrimagnetic materials and their Curie temperature).

TABLE I List of ferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic materials and theirCurie temperature Material Curie temperature (° K) Co 1388 Fe 1043FeOFe₂O₃  858 NiOFe₂O₃  858 CuOFe₂O₃  728 MgOFe₂O₃  713 MnBi  630 Ni 627 MnSb  587 MnOFe₂O₃  573 Y₃Fe₅O₁₂  560 CrO₂  386 MnAs  318 Gd  292Dy   88 EuO   69

In various embodiments of the invention, the powder or granules can beselected from the group consisting of one or more iron containingsubstances including Fe, FeO, FeOFe₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, MnOFe₂O₃, MgOFe₂O₃,Y₃Fe₅O₁₂ and Fe₃O₄. In various embodiments of the invention, the powderor granules can be selected from the group consisting of one or morecopper containing substances including Cu, CuO, CuoFe₂O₃ and Cu₂O. Invarious embodiments of the invention, the powder or granules can beselected from the group consisting of one or more aluminum containingsubstances including Al and Al₂O₃. In various embodiments of theinvention, the powder or granules can be selected from the groupconsisting of one or more nickel containing substances including Ni,NiO, Ni₂O₃, Ni(OH)₂ and NiOFe₂O₃. In various embodiments of theinvention, the powder or granules can be selected from the groupconsisting of one or more cobalt containing substances including Co,NaCoO₂ and Co₃O₄. In various embodiments of the invention, the powder orgranules can be selected from the group consisting of one or morelanthanide metals. In various embodiments of the invention, the powderor granules can be selected from the group consisting of one or moreferromagnetic and/or ferrimagnetic materials of Table I. In variousembodiments of the invention, the powder or granules can be selectedfrom the group consisting of physical mixing of two or more of Fe, FeO,FeOFe₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, Fe₃O₄, Cu, CuO, and Cu₂O, Al and Al₂O₃. In variousembodiments of the invention, the powder or granules can be selectedfrom a physical combination of two or more metals or alloys that caneither be magnetic or non-magnetic.

When a security alert reports the presence of a “white powder” or otherunknown substance, there is an immediate and real need for determiningthe composition of the powder and specifically whether the powder isanthrax or any other dangerous biological or chemical agent. The firststep in analysis of these ‘unknowns’ often involves isolation of thematerial in specialized containers for transfer to protect the analystand his or her environment from contamination. In order to determine thechemical composition or organism present in the powder, the analystoften creates a soluble solution by dissolving the powder in water or anappropriate solvent. The use of expensive and often elaborate testingequipment is needed when using such a soluble solution and since not allpowders are soluble valuable time is lost as the analyst labors tocreate that solution. Ultimately, the sample represents no securitythreat but the time used in determination of its composition islengthened by each step of manipulation.

The challenge to rapid chemical analysis is designing a process thatuses a minimum of sample manipulation in order to complete chemicalanalysis in mere seconds. The ability to complete rapid analysis of thesample can be facilitated if real time ionization can be used as ascreening method. Thus, the development of a more practical device forpositioning samples with minimal human intervention can be an importantrequirement for deploying real time monitoring, beyond the confines ofthe laboratory. Utilizing metal powders with ionization techniques tosample and retain the ‘unknown’ powder and subsequently permit itspositioning for analysis can provide a means to facilitate the rapiddetermination of composition which is necessary to either dismiss orelevate the threat level.

A vacuum of atmospheric pressure is 1 atmosphere=760 torr. Generally,‘approximately’ in this pressure range encompasses a range of pressuresfrom below 10¹ atmosphere=7.6×10³ torr to 10⁻¹ atmosphere=7.6×10¹ torr.A vacuum of below 10⁻³ torr would constitute a high vacuum. Generally,‘approximately’ in this pressure range encompasses a range of pressuresfrom below 5×10⁻³ torr to 5×10⁻⁶ torr. A vacuum of below 10⁻⁶ torr wouldconstitute a very high vacuum. Generally, ‘approximately’ in thispressure range encompasses a range of pressures from below 5×10⁻⁶ torrto 5×10⁻⁹ torr. In the following, the phrase ‘high vacuum’ encompasseshigh vacuum and very high vacuum. The sampler/chamber system can be atatmospheric pressure.

Movement of Samples into and Through the Ionization Region for Analysis

In atmospheric pressure desorption ionization experiments solid objectsplaced in close proximity to the exit of the source interact with thegas exiting that source. The solid object is often positioned manuallyor by using devices such as tweezers. In an embodiment of the presentinvention, a sample in powder form can be immersed into or depositedinto a container for co-mixing with metal powder. After mixing todisperse the powder in with the metal, a small fraction of the samplecan be removed from the tube along with the metal, enabling its analysisas it is placed in the desorption ionization region. For rapidqualitative determination of samples, the quantity of sample retained onthe metal is not critical; therefore, the acquisition of even a smallquantity of material can enable a successful analysis. In an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, automation of the samplingtechnology for desorption ionization involves fabrication of a partiallyglass and partially metal rod sampler tip to which a small magnet can befixed to cause the magnetized metal coated with “unknown” powder to beretained in its position for analysis. In another embodiment of theinvention, by using a microscope slide-sized flat surface (i.e. a flatsurface the size of a microscope slide) to which one or more magnetshave been fixed on the underside, the metal coated with powder can bedeposited on the surface for analysis. In a variety of embodiments ofthe invention, electro-magnetic fields can be used to automate themovement of the sample from container to container or from container tosample surface for analysis. In an embodiment of the invention, anon-magnetic metal coated with powder can be deposited onto a surfacefor analysis where the weight of the metal can be sufficient to causethe sample to maintain position in the presence of the flowing gasstream used for desorption ionization.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixing of a metal powderwith an ‘unknown’ powder or ‘unknown’ sample present in crystalline formfacilitates mechanical control of the positioning of the sample withmagnetic or electro-magnetic fields. A ‘sampler device’ can befabricated such that the sample can be inserted into an enclosed chamberattached to a desorption ionization region. Using the ‘sampler device’the sample can be reliably transferred from the enclosed chamber intothe desorption ionization region by mechanical or electro-mechanicalmeans. In an embodiment of the invention a method is described fordepositing the ‘unknown’ or material of interest onto a sampler anddropping the sampler into the chamber and subsequently manipulating thesampler into position using robotics without requiring humanintervention to physically touch or contact the sample. Once the sampleis placed in the desorption ionization region, chemical analysis cantake place.

A mechanical device is operated by a mechanism. An electro-mechanicaldevice or system is a mechanical device or system that is actuated orcontrolled by electricity. An electro-magnetic device is operated,actuated or controlled by magnetism produced by electricity. Anelectro-mechanical force is a force formed by electro-magneticinduction.

Sampler Device

FIG. 1 shows prior art of a desorption ionization source coupled to amass spectrometer. In FIG. 1, the ‘sampler device’ 116 is a 1.4 mmoutside diameter, 0.5 mm inside diameter by 6 mm long glass tube withone end sealed. The sampler device has a coating of material on itsexterior surface at the closed end. The coating was generated bydissolving the sample in a solvent and then applying a solution to thesampler device 116. The device 116 is positioned between the ionizationsource 101 which is directing a flow of gas or liquid at the device 116.Materials desorbed from the surface are ionized and those products enterthe spectrometer through an atmospheric pressure inlet 121. In variousembodiments of the invention, as shown in FIG. 2, one or more smallmagnets or pieces of either paramagnetic or ferromagnetic susceptiblemetal 234 are secured to a metal rod 216 having similar dimensions tothe glass rod of FIG. 1. The device 216 can be positioned between theionization source 201 which is directing a flow of gas or liquid at thedevice 216. Materials desorbed from the surface can be ionized and thoseproducts can enter the spectrometer through an atmospheric pressureinlet 221. A sample of magnetic susceptible metal powder or granulesco-mixed with sample powder can then be applied to the closed-end of thetube of the sampler. Preparation of the sample for analysis is depictedin FIG. 3 where a powder sample 341 represented on a common laboratoryspatula 356 is added to a container 318 containing an excess of metal307. As shown in FIG. 4 after mixing of the sample with the metal powderin the container, the metal sampler device 416 to which one or moresmall magnets or pieces of magnetic susceptible metal 434 have beensecured can be inserted into the volume of the container 418 containingan excess of metal powder coated with the sample 407 to permitcollection of a portion of the metal powder coated with sample 447. Inan embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5 the sampler device 516 isa small magnetically susceptible piece of metal such as an iron nail towhich a small magnet 534 has been positioned approximately one (1) inchabove the closed end of the nail 516, referred to as a ‘magnetized nail’516. The magnetized nail 516 can be used as a sample transfer device tomove sample from the container 418 shown in FIG. 4 to a surface forsampling. In FIG. 5 sample positioning of sample (mixed with metalpowder 547) for analysis is facilitated by using a surface 553 underwhich a small magnet 537 or series of magnets can be placed in order toretain the magnetically susceptible metal powder coated with sample inposition for analysis. A photograph of the device described in FIG. 5 isshown in FIG. 6. Implementation of the device of FIG. 5 with a directanalysis in real time ionization source is shown schematically in FIG.7. FIG. 7 shows the surface 753 with magnet 737 positioned to locatesample positioned between the ionization source 701 which is directing aflow of gas or liquid at the sample. Materials desorbed from the surfaceare ionized and those products enter the spectrometer through anatmospheric pressure inlet 721. A line drawing of the device of FIG. 7with a direct analysis in real time ionization source is shown in FIG.10. A photograph of the device described in FIG. 7 is shown in FIG. 11.In an embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 8, the end of the metalpowder coated sample device 816 (utilizing a magnet 834 to hold thesample) can be positioned inside a sampling chamber 836 to allowsampling in a closed volume to protect the analyst from harmfulchemicals and toxins. The end of the sampling device 816 can bepositioned between the ionization source 801, which can be directing aflow of gas or liquid at the device 816. Materials desorbed from thesurface can be ionized and those products enter the spectrometer throughan atmospheric pressure inlet 821. In an embodiment of the inventionshown in FIG. 9, the sampler device 953 can be inserted through port 924and positioned inside a sampling chamber 936 to allow sampling in aclosed volume to protect the analyst from harmful chemicals and toxins.The sampler device 953 can be positioned between the ionization source901 which can be directing a flow of gas or liquid at the sampler device953. Materials desorbed from the surface can be ionized and thoseproducts can enter the spectrometer through an atmospheric pressureinlet 921. Orientation of the sampler device 953 can be manipulatedwithout concern for loss of sample since the action of the magneticfield derived from the small magnets 937 retains the sample on thesurface. Once analysis is complete the sampler device 953 can exit thechamber 936 through port 939. The sample can be manipulated in theclosed environment to permit analysis.

Electro-Mechanical Chamber

In an embodiment of the present invention, the ‘electro-mechanicalchamber’ can be a cylinder having an opening through which the samplercan be inserted. The open ‘electro-mechanical chamber’ can be ofsufficient dimension to permit insertion of a variety of objects. In anembodiment of the present invention, the open ‘electro-mechanicalchamber’ can accept 1×10⁻⁴ m diameter tubes. In an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, the open ‘electro-mechanicalchamber’ can accept 1×10⁻³ m diameter tubes. In another embodiment ofthe present invention, the open ‘electro-mechanical chamber’ can accept1×10⁻² m diameter tubes. In another alternative embodiment of thepresent invention, the open ‘electro-mechanical chamber’ can accept1×10⁻¹ m diameter tubes. In various embodiment of the present invention,the open ‘electro-mechanical chamber’ can accept a non-cylindricalsampler device.

In an embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 7 a sampler with theconfiguration shown in FIG. 5 can be depicted as a plate 753 with theionization gun 701 directing species at the sample which forms ions thatenter the spectrometer through aperture 721. As shown in FIG. 10 thesampler with the configuration shown in FIG. 5 is depicted as arectangular plate 1053 with the sample mixed with metal powder 1057 hasbeen deposited, with the ionization gun 1001 directing species at thesample which forms ions that enter the spectrometer through aperture1021. The location of the sample mixed with metal powder 1057 in frontof the ionization gun 1001 can be changed using a location lockingdevice 1024. The rectangular plate 1053 enters the proximal end of the‘electro-mechanical chamber. FIG. 9 illustrates a series of eventsstarting with capture of the ‘sampler device’ 953 in a fixed positionsuch that the sample itself does not touch any surface of the‘electro-mechanical chamber’. The sample may be pushed through anentrance 924 and exit 939 of the chamber to permit rapid, safe detectionof powder with the spectroscopy system 921. In an embodiment of theinvention, a series of magnets to which a magnetically susceptible metalcoated powder of interest can be positioned along a conveyor belt servesto transfer the powder coated metal to the desorption ionization regionby using an electro-magnetic field. The interaction of the sample coatedmagnet with the electro-magnet element serves to hold the sampler in anintermediate position prior to analysis. A sampling zone 901, where theanalysis occurs, can be at the distal end of the ‘electro-mechanicalchamber’ of the desorption ionization source. At the proximal end of the‘electro-mechanical chamber a lid capable of closing and forming anairtight seal once the sampler had been placed inside the‘electro-mechanical chamber’ in a fixed position. The function of thelid can be to maintain enough pressure to keep gases from escapingthrough the proximal end of the cylindrical ‘electro-mechanicalchamber’. Closure of the lid can also initiate the sampling sequence bydepressing a switch or completing an electrical or optical contact, andthus connecting an initiation event marker of electrical, digital ormechanical design.

In an embodiment of the invention with the ‘electro-mechanical chamber’containing the ‘sampler device’ closed and sealed, the composition ofthe chemical environment surrounding the sample can be controlled. In anembodiment of the invention, the sealed ‘electro-mechanical chamber’ canbe used to support one or more functions selected from the groupconsisting of atmospheric pressure chemical ionization; negative ionchemical ionization; prevention of oxidation or reduction of the sample;or exposure of the sample to one or more other ionization sources. Withthe sampler under the influence of the electro-magnetic field, thesample can be positioned for desorption ionization. In the case wherethe sample is a large object with one or more distinct surfaces, theelectro-magnetic field can be used to move the entire object in order toaffect desorption of different areas of the sample by use of theelectro-magnetic fields. In the case where the sample requires differentionization conditions using the same ionization source, theelectro-magnetic field can be used to move the entire object in order toaffect desorption of the same area of the sample with similar DART gunsoperated at different conditions by use of the electro-magnetic fields.

In an embodiment of the invention, after the analysis is complete and tofacilitate analysis of the next sample, the electro-magnetic field canbe used to expel the ‘sampler device’ out from the ionization regionfrom the ‘electro-mechanical chamber’. Once the analysis is complete,the electro-magnetic field can either be turned off and a springmechanism used to release the sampler device, or the electro-magneticfield can be reversed. In an embodiment of the invention, the opening ofan exit port door located at the distal end of the ‘electro-mechanicalchamber’ can deactivate the electro-magnetic field elements and releasethe sampler device allowing the sample to fall under the effect ofgravity through the exit port located at the distal end of the‘electro-mechanical chamber’.

In another embodiment of the invention, a series of electro-magneticdevices including rings, plates, balls, or other shapes designed tocapture specific objects can be used to transport the sample into theideal position for desorption ionization. Once the analysis is complete,the series of electro-magnetic rings can be used to eject the ‘samplerdevice’ back into the ‘electro-mechanical chamber’. In anotherembodiment of the invention, concerted action of the electro-magneticfields results in a high throughput apparatus for rapid sampling bydesorption ionization at atmospheric pressure.

The sampler device can have a segment of metal comprised of a band ofmetal or a strip of metal positioned remote from the desorptionionization region. In this manner, the magnetic fields would not deflector defocus ions that must be transferred to the spectroscopy system foranalysis. In an embodiment of the invention the metal or magnets can beenclosed in the body of the sampler at a position remote from thedesorption ionization region. The ‘sampling device’ objects can be madeof glass, ceramic, plastic, wood, fabric or other suitable materialshaped into tubes, rod, plates, or other objects customized forsampling. The metal pin, crimping cap, shank, brad, staple, wire or bandcan be inserted into or bonded to the sampling device in order to securethat sample to the sampling object.

The ‘sampler device’ and the ‘electro-mechanical chamber’ system can beautomatically operated at increased sample turnaround speed withoutrequiring an analyst or other human intervention. A significant utilityof the sampler/chamber system embodied in the invention lies inunattended operation which thereby increases sampling speed.

In an embodiment of the invention a device for ionizing an analytecomprises a chamber with at least three ports, where a first port allowsthe analyte to enter the chamber and the chamber is adapted to mix theanalyte with a material using a magnetic field source where the magneticfield source is adapted to constrain the analyte mixed with the materialwithin the chamber. The device further comprises an atmospheric pressureionization source adapted to be directed at the analyte mixed with thematerial to form analyte ions which exit out of a second port. Themagnetic field source is further adapted to remove the analyte mixedwith the material from the chamber through a third port to dispose ofthe analyte.

In an embodiment of the invention a method of ionizing a samplecomprises mixing the sample with a ferromagnetic material with a lowerionization efficiency relative to the sample and constraining the samplemixed with the material using a magnetic field and generating one ormore analyte ions of the sample and then using the magnetic field todispose of the sample.

In an embodiment of the invention a kit for handling a sample foratmospheric pressure ionization comprises a vial adapted to be openedand resealed containing a material, where opening the vial and locatingthe sample in the vial and resealing the vial mixes the sample and thematerial. The kit further comprises a probe including a proximal end, adistal end, a coil situated at the distal end and a switch, where theswitch is adapted to apply or discontinue an electro-magnetic fieldthrough the coil to position the material mixed with the sample onto theprobe, where the probe is adapted to enter the vial and thereby positionthe material mixed with the sample onto the probe for removal from thevial. The kit further comprises an analysis plate with one or both afixed magnet and an electro-magnet adapted to move the material mixedwith the sample from the probe onto the analysis plate whileconstraining the material mixed with the sample to one or more regionson the plate for atmospheric pressure ionization.

Example embodiments of the methods, systems, and components of thepresent invention have been described herein. As noted elsewhere, theseexample embodiments have been described for illustrative purposes only,and are not limiting. Other embodiments are possible and are covered bythe invention. Such embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled inthe relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Forexample, it is envisaged that, irrespective of the actual shape depictedin the various Figures and embodiments described above, the outerdiameter exit of the inlet tube can be tapered or non-tapered and theouter diameter entrance of the outlet tube can be tapered ornon-tapered.

Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not belimited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but shouldbe defined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for ionizing an analyte comprising: a chamber with at least one port to allow the analyte to enter the chamber and adapted to mix the analyte with one or both dry powder and dry granule material; a magnetic field source adapted to constrain the analyte mixed with the one or both dry powder and dry granule material within the chamber; and an ionization source directed at the analyte within the chamber mixed with the one or both dry powder and dry granule material to form analyte ions.
 2. The device of claim 1, where the position of the analyte can be adjusted relative to the ionization source prior to the ionization event.
 3. The device of claim 1, where the position of the analyte can be adjusted relative to the ionization source during the ionization event.
 4. The device of claim 1, where the position of the analyte can be adjusted relative to the ionization source after the ionization event.
 5. The device of claim 1, where the ionization source is an atmospheric pressure ionization source.
 6. The device of claim 5, where the atmospheric pressure ionization is selected from the group consisting of a Direct Ionization in Real Time source, a desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) source, an atmospheric laser desorption ionization source, a Corona discharge source, an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) source and a glow discharge source.
 7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a spectroscopic analyzer adapted to analyze the analyte ions.
 8. The device of claim 7, where the spectroscopic analyzer is selected from the group consisting of a mass spectrometer, Raman spectrometer, electro-magnetic absorption spectrometer, electro-magnetic emission spectrometer, surface detection spectrometer, differential scanning mobility spectrometer and ion mobility mass spectrometer.
 9. The device of claim 1, where the one or both dry powder and dry granule material includes a metal with one or both a magnetic dipole moment and an inducible magnetic dipole moment.
 10. The device of claim 1, where the magnetic field source is generated by one or both a magnet and an electro-magnet.
 11. A kit for handling a sample for ionization comprising: (a) a vial adapted to be opened and resealed containing one or both dry powder and dry granule material, where opening the vial and locating the sample in the vial and resealing the vial mixes the sample and the one or both dry powder and dry granule material; (b) a probe adapted to enter the vial and thereby position the one or both dry powder and dry granule material mixed with the sample onto the probe for removal from the vial; and (c) an analysis plate with one or both a fixed magnet and an electro-magnet adapted to move the one or both dry powder and dry granule material mixed with the sample from the probe onto the analysis plate while constraining the one or both dry powder and dry granule material mixed with the sample to one or more regions on the plate for ionization.
 12. The kit of claim 11, where the probe comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a coil situated at the distal end and a switch, where the switch is adapted to apply or discontinue an electro-magnetic field through the coil to position the one or both dry powder and dry granule material and the sample relative to the probe.
 13. The kit of claim 12, where the one or both dry powder and dry granule material is a ferromagnetic metal.
 14. A method of ionizing a sample comprising: (a) mixing the sample with a material consisting essentially of one or both of a dry powder and dry granule material; (b) controlling the position of the sample mixed with the material in a chamber using one or both an electro-mechanical force and an electric field; and (c) generating one or more analyte ions of the sample in the chamber while the sample remains inside the chamber.
 15. The method of claim 14, where the analyte is selected from the group consisting of a powder, lyophilized sample, plant material, fine grains, and a loose substance.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising adjusting the position of the analyte relative to the ionization source one or more of prior to, during and after the ionization event.
 17. The method of claim 14, where the material and the sample are physically mixed.
 18. The method of claim 14, where the one or more ions are generated at atmospheric pressure.
 19. The method of claim 14, further comprising directing the ions into a spectroscopic analyzer to analyze the analyte ions.
 20. The method of claim 14, where the material is selected from one or more of Fe, FeO, FeOFe₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, MnOFe₂O₃, MgOFe₂O₃, Y₃Fe₅O₁₂, Fe₃O₄, Cu, CuO, CuOFe₂O₃, Cu₂O, Al, Al₂O₃, Ni, NiO, Ni₂O₃, Ni(OH)₂, NiOFe₂O₃, Co, NaCoO₂ and Co₃O₄. 